Synthetic Decking Takes Off

Now available in a variety of colors and textures, this durable array of products won't rot, splinter, or crack. What's not to like?

More than 60 manufacturers now produce synthetic decking products. Some look amazingly like real wood. This article looks at the pros and cons of these wood alternatives, explains the three basic types of synthetic decking, and illustrates some of the hidden fastening systems used to secure deck planks.